Anti-Smoking

2007-12-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

¿What is Wellbutrin SR, Zyban?

Wellbutrin SR, Zyban is an antidepressant medication. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At least one brand of Wellbutrin SR, Zyban (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

¿What is the most important information I should know about Wellbutrin SR, Zyban?

You should not take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, if you are using a second form of Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives. Do not take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Avoid using Wellbutrin SR, Zyban to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Too much of this medicine can increase your risk of a seizure. Do not smoke at any time if you are using a nicotine product along with Zyban. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban can cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication.

¿What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban?

Do not take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. You should not take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban if you have:

epilepsy or a seizure disorder;
an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia;
if you are using a second form of Wellbutrin SR, Zyban; or
if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives (such as Valium).

Wellbutrin SR, Zyban may cause seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions or when using certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and the drugs you use. Before taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, tell your doctor if you have:

heart disease or high blood pressure;
head injury, brain or spinal cord tumor;
kidney disease;
liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
diabetes for which you use insulin or take oral medication;
if you currently use steroids, theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, Bronkodyl Theolair, Respbid), or medicine to treat depression or mental illness; or
if you recently used alcohol, sedatives (such as Valium), narcotic

pain medicines, diet pills, or street drugs such as "speed" or cocaine. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban passes into breast milk and could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

¿How should I take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban?

Take Wellbutrin SR, Zyban exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban SR). Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. If you take Zyban to help you stop smoking, you may continue to smoke for about 1 week after you start the medicine. Set a date to quit smoking during the second week of Zyban treatment. By that time you will have enough of the medicine in your blood stream to help you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble quitting after you have used Zyban for at least 7 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe nicotine patches or gum to help support your smoking cessation treatment. Be sure you read all directions and safety information for the nicotine product. Using nicotine with Zyban may raise your blood pressure and your doctor may want to check your blood pressure regularly. Do not smoke at any time if you are using a nicotine product along with Zyban. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. If you use the Wellbutrin SR, Zyban extended-release tablet, the tablet shell may pass into your stools (bowel movements). This is normal and does not mean that you are not receiving enough of the medicine. Store Wellbutrin SR, Zyban at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

¿What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

¿What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizures, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fainting, fast or uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, heart failure, or coma.

¿What should I avoid while taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking Wellbutrin SR, Zyban. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban can cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication. Avoid using Wellbutrin SR, Zyban to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Too much of this medicine can increase your risk of a seizure. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Wellbutrin SR, Zyban side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have a seizure (convulsions) or fast, uneven heartbeats. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

headache or migraine;
nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth;
confusion, dizziness, tremors (shaking);
appetite changes, weight loss or gain;
mild itching or skin rash, increased sweating; or
loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

¿What other drugs will affect Wellbutrin SR, Zyban?

There are many other drugs that can interact with Wellbutrin SR, Zyban. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

¿Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Wellbutrin SR, Zyban.

2007-12-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

¿What is Nicotine?
Nicotine is the primary ingredient in tobacco products. Nicotine in medical products is used to aid in smoking cessation. Using a controlled amount of Nicotine helps reduce Nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking. Nicotine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
¿What is the most important information I should know about Nicotine?

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You may not be able to use certain forms of this medicine if you have medical conditions that could interfere with use. Ongoing nasal or sinus problems (such as allergies, nasal polyps, or sinusitis) could affect safe use of the nasal spray form of Nicotine. Mouth or dental problems may affect safe use of Nicotine gum or lozenges. A skin condition may affect safe use of Nicotine transdermal patches. Talk with your doctor about the best form of Nicotine for you to use. Do not smoke while you are using Nicotine. Stop smoking as soon as your treatment begins. Smoking while using this medication can be dangerous.

¿What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Nicotine?

You may not be able to use certain forms of this medicine if you have medical conditions that could interfere with use. Ongoing nasal or sinus problems (such as allergies, nasal polyps, or sinusitis) could affect safe use of the nasal spray form of Nicotine. Mouth or dental problems may affect safe use of Nicotine gum or lozenges. A skin condition may affect safe use of Nicotine transdermal patches. Talk with your doctor about the best form of Nicotine for you to use. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

* heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure or chest pain;
* a jaw condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disease;
* an overactive thyroid;
* diabetes;
* pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
* liver or kidney disease;
* a stomach ulcer; or
* asthma or chronic pulmonary disease.

You may not be able to use Nicotine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above. Nicotine oral lozenges may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Nicotine can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use Nicotine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Nicotine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

¿How should I take Nicotine?

Use Nicotine exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. To use the patches:

* Choose a different place on your body to wear the patch each time you put on a new one. Do not use the same skin area twice within 7 days.

* Apply the patch to clean, dry, and hairless skin on the outer part of your upper arm or on your chest. Remove the patch after 24 hours and replace it with a new one.

* If you are using Nicotrol patches, apply a new patch each morning and remove it at bedtime. Do not wear the patch while you are sleeping. If you are using Nicoderm CQ, you may wear the patch for 16 or 24 hours. If you crave cigarettes when you wake up, you may wear the patch for 24 hours. Do not wear the patch at night if you have vivid dreams or trouble sleeping.

To use the chewing gum or oral lozenges:

* Place a piece of gum or a lozenge in your mouth.
* Chew the gum slowly several times and stop chewing when you notice a tingling sensation or a peppery taste in the mouth. "Park" the gum between your cheek and gum and leave it there until the taste or tinging sensation is almost gone. Then slowly chew a few more times until the taste or sensation returns. Park the gum again in a different place in your mouth. Chewing too much or too quickly can cause too much Nicotine to be released from the gum and you may have side effects such as nausea, hiccups, or stomach problems. Remove the gum after 30 minutes, or when the taste or tingle no longer return when you chew the gum.
* Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly without chewing or swallowing. You may notice a warm or tingling sensation in your mouth. Move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other while it is dissolving.
* Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before using the gum or lozenge and while the medicine is in your mouth.

To use the nasal spray:

* Blow nose if it is not clear. Tilt head back slightly. Insert the tip of bottle into your nostril as far as comfortable. Spray once in each nostril. Do not sniff, swallow, or inhale while spraying. If your nose runs, gently sniff to keep the medicine in. Wait 2 or 3 minutes before blowing your nose. Do not use more of the medication than is directed.
* Recap the bottle after each use. If you don't use the nasal spray for 24 hours, prime the pump by spraying several sprays into a tissue 1, then throw the tissue away.
* Do not get Nicotine spray into your eyes or mouth or on your skin. If this does occur, rinse the area with water.

To use the inhaler:

* Inhale deeply or puff in short breaths. As you inhale through the mouthpiece, Nicotine turns into a vapor and is absorbed into the mouth and throat. Nicotine in cartridges is used up after about 20 minutes of active puffing.

Keep used and unused Nicotine patches or gum out of the reach of children and pets to prevent poisoning. Used bottles of nasal spray should be thrown away with their child-resistant caps in place. Store Nicotine products at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

¿What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Nicotine is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

¿What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. Symptoms of a Nicotine overdose may include nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach pain; cold sweat; headache; dizziness; problems with hearing or vision; confusion; uneven heartbeats; chest pain; seizures; and death.

¿What should I avoid while taking Nicotine?

Do not smoke while you are using Nicotine. Stop smoking as soon as your treatment begins. Smoking while using this medication can be dangerous. Nicotine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Nicotine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

* seizures; or
* chest pain or uneven heartbeats.

Continue using Nicotine and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

* dizziness;
* belching or hiccups;
* stomach upset or nausea;
* mouth or throat soreness;
* dry or watering mouth;
* watering eyes;
* headache;
* runny or stuffy nose (when using the nasal spray);
* white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips (when using the inhaler);
* constipation;
* sneezing and coughing;
* changes in taste; or
* redness, itching, or burning where the patch is worn.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

¿What other drugs will affect Nicotine?

Before using Nicotine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

* imipramine (Tofranil);
* oxazepam (Serax);
* propranolol (Inderal), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), or prazosin (Minipress);
* theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair);
* pentazocine (Talwin), or
* insulin.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Nicotine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Nicotine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

¿Where can I get more information?

* Your pharmacist has additional information about Nicotine written for health professionals that you may read.

THE CIGARETTE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE IMPOTENCE

2007-10-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

A carried out study in China found that the men who smoke more than a box of cigarettes to the day have 60 percents more of probabilities of suffering of impotence that those that never has smoked. The study investigated in how the cigarette affected the sexual life of 5,000 men in China. The investigation threw like conclusion that, even the men who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day, have a significantly greater risk to develop erectile dysfunction that the nonsmokers. The investigators say that their findings emphasize the dangers to smoke and would have to be an extra reason man to leave the habit them of the tobacco.
SMOKING CESSATION